Optical see-through augmented reality can induce severe motion sickness

The aim was to investigate whether severe symptoms of visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) can occur in augmented reality (AR) optical see-through applications. VIMS has been extensively studied in virtual reality (VR), whereas it has received little attention in the context of AR technology, in which the real world is enhanced by virtual objects. AR optical see-through glasses are becoming increasingly popular as technology advances. Previous studies showed minor oculomotor symptoms of VIMS with the aforementioned technology. New applications with more dynamic simulations could alter previously observed symptom severity and patterns. In experiment 1, we exposed subjects to a traditional static AR application for pilot candidate training. In experiment 2, subjects completed tasks in a dynamic starfield simulation. We analyzed symptom profiles pre and post with the simulator sickness questionnaire (SSQ) and during exposure with the Fast Motion Sickness Scale (FMS). We also developed a new FMS-D that captures symptoms of dizziness during simulation. As expected, in experiment 1 we found low VIMS symptomatology with predominantly oculomotor symptoms. In experiment 2, on the other hand, we detected severe VIMS symptoms in some subjects, with disorientation (SSQ subscale) as the main symptom group. The present work demonstrates that VIMS can be of serious concern in modern AR applications. The FMS-D represents a new tool to measure symptoms of dizziness during exposure. VIMS symptoms need to be considered in the design and usage of future AR applications with dynamic virtual objects, e. g. for flight training or machine maintenance work.